The Embroidered Serpent (The Crystalline Source Book 1)

by M. Woodruff

  “Certainly,” Sans gave a nod, waiting for him to continue.

  “I have found it very interesting. Different. In fact, I don’t have the words to describe how I feel. It is beyond belief compared to where I come from in The Kingdom. I never could have even dreamed of half the stuff I’m seeing.”

  “Yes, I imagine so. I have heard The Kingdom is rather…rustic…backwards. I mean no offense, of course. As I have never been there it would be hard for me to say. I might would judge it differently. It is only what I have heard, you understand.” Sans made a placating gesture with his hands, lurching the fish forward causing one to belch a bubble.

  “No, you’re right, Sans. Now that I’ve experienced Sandrid I would call The Kingdom backwards myself, but not in a bad way. I must admit, I rather miss the simplicity of it already.” Nels gave an inward sigh, recognizing the truth of it. He did miss The Kingdom, especially Parker’s Town. The quirkiness of his fellow villagers, Thom, even the mayor calling him “boy” seemed pleasant right about now. Maybe he should go home—just not to Black’s Hand—not yet.

  “That’s understandable,” Sans said as he gave a kindly smile. “Sandrid is not all it seems. All of this opulence,” and here he gave an expansive wave, “wears off quickly. And you are left with the same people I’m sure you will find anywhere else in any world. But here, we are not so simple with expressing our true natures. I imagine in The Kingdom you know who is inherently bad or good, a trickster, or one with a serious nature. Here it is not so apparent. There are many layers to us all.

  “Do not be fooled into using the same criteria you would use to categorize one in The Kingdom with one in Sandrid. Many are experts at deception. You are dining with Meiiralisai, are you not?”

  “Yes…” Nels responded hesitantly. “Do you mean I should watch out for her? I hardly even know her and I’m not one to make rash judgments.” He ended a little more peckishly than he would’ve liked. This woman was beginning to be more trouble than she was worth. He just met the woman and everyone was acting like he was enthralled by her, for flame’s sake.

  “No! No!” Sans, picking up on Nels’ mood, hurriedly reverted back to servile mode. “Pardon me for a…ah, too abrupt change of subject. Meiiralisai is a delightful woman. Very…diverting to be around. Yes, you will have quite a pleasurable evening. Of course, excuse my presumption, but I don’t feel Casandra is too fond of her. It just bears mentioning. I am no expert of female relationships, or not anymore, at any rate.” Sans gave an innocent wink to soften his words, recognizing Nels already felt he was in some sort of tangle, and hoping not to antagonize him further.

  Nels grunted. This was all he needed. He just met the woman a mere hours ago, and already Sans was trying to give him advice. He didn’t need or want any advice! He wasn’t even remotely interested in Meiiralisai. Casandra was the one he truly cared about; she was a simple citizen of The Kingdom, like himself—they thought alike. Who knows what thoughts Meiiralisai had? And he didn’t care to find out. He would ignore her during dinner to focus on Casandra. That would certainly make Casandra feel special so she would at least talk to him again.

  In good spirits now because of his new plan, Nels gave the waiting Bette a kiss on the cheek as he entered the dining hall. Everyone was already seated which meant no one had bothered to wait on him. At least no food was served. Or maybe that was a bad thing, since they were having sea delicacies missing a course wouldn’t hurt his feelings any.

  “Excuse my tardiness,” Nels said giving a slight bow before sitting next to Meiiralisai. She was to his left, Casandra straight ahead, and Javin diagonally to his left. There were no odd spotlights tonight, only an extra candelabrum. “I was helping Sans walk Blue and Bardot.”

  “I trust they didn’t give you any trouble other than impeding your progress. They can be quite a handful at times, which is surprising given their age. It is almost as if they revert back to juveniles.” Javin gave a placid smile.

  “No, no trouble at all. Uh, by the way, do you happen to have a red fish?” Nels asked, suddenly remembering last night.

  “A red? No. I did, though.” Javin shook his head sadly. “But he died some time ago. He was never quite right in the head, I believe. Always breaking valuable objects, trying to swim through the windows, bullying the staff. We found him dead one day outside the kitchens. He was very aggressive about his food and would often sneak in while food was being prepared or to the raid the pantry. The staff tried to dissuade him without using outright force, but he could become very violent. They had instructions to stand out of his way to prevent becoming physically harmed themselves, as they were to use only spoons or brooms to discourage his pillaging attempts. I am sure my staff followed my instructions to the letter—there were no marks found on him—so sadly, I believe Shasta ate himself to death.”

  Suddenly coming back to himself, Javin narrowed his eyes, and sharply questioned Nels, “Why, do you ask?”

  “Oh…uh…no reason. I just thought maybe I saw one. It was probably Bette—orange is close to red from a distance,” Nels supplied, lamely. Great! This place is haunted by some crazed ghost fish. They had ghost tales in The Kingdom, even one about long-dead cows coming back to pasture, which no one really ever believed, but never had he thought to encounter a real one, and a fish, at that.

  “Hmm,” Javin murmured, fixing Nels with a level look. “No matter. Let’s begin dinner. I’m sure we’re all starved.”

  “Oh, I definitely am.” Meiiralisai leaned into Nels as she spoke, so that he could smell some mysteriously sweet, musky fragrance. She had her long hair tied back with a jeweled ribbon so he could see teardrop pearls dangling from her ears. The pearls complemented her white silk wrap dress, which left her arm closest to him completely bare except for a pearl bracelet that cuffed her upper arm. Nels had to wonder if she had planned the seating arrangements; he’d never even seen a woman go around with a bare upper arm before.

  He gave her a slight frown to show his disapproval. Her laughter tinkled right over his attempts to champion modesty.

  Casandra, on the other hand, was wearing a brown satin dress that buttoned all the way up to her chin. Even the sleeves buttoned from wrist to elbow in a show of solidarity to the cause. Her hair was done primly in a bun on the top of her head with no strand out of place. She wore no jewelry. Nels smiled his satisfaction as he told her how lovely she looked this evening.

  Casandra opened her mouth for a retort when Meiiralisai interrupted. “Oh, you do, dear. And wherever did you get that dress? I haven’t seen that style in years. Have they made a comeback? I do try to keep up with the latest fashion, but I must admit I’m remiss in attending Lakido’s temple. So, I could be behind in my dress.” She gave a glance downward at her own dress, affecting a simpering pout. “What do you think, Nels? Am I behind?”

  Nels opened his mouth to tell her she was in no way behind on anything when Javin interrupted. “Of course not, Meiiralisai. You look lovely, as well. Both of you ladies give us great honor with your presence and your tasteful styles. Isn’t that right, Nels?” Javin nodded encouragingly while Casandra scowled.

  “Yes, that’s right,” Nels responded, glumly. So far this wasn’t going as planned. Somehow Casandra had gotten even angrier and now Meiiralisai looked even more beautiful than ever before, instead of the scandalous harlot she had just appeared to be moments ago.

  Thankfully, Luka wedged himself in between Nels and Meiiralisai just then to place steaming hot soup served in an a miniature upside-down octopus, tentacles still intact. Well, at least that ended that particular conversation, even if the soup was repulsive. Nels was hard pressed to decide which was worse—he decided the soup would be more palatable than trying to converse with these two women together.

  “The soup is a mini-octopus puree made entirely from its innards, sir. The tentacles can be removed and then dipped in the soup, or eaten alone. As can the octopus itself, once you finish the soup. The skin has been lightly charred with butt
er to bring out its rich oceanic flavors.” Luka stared straight ahead.

  Nels quietly cleared his throat.

  Luka shrugged. “Really, sir, it’s quite gross enough without my commentary.”

  Dinner proceeded along much the same vein with such delicacies including: snails, worms, snakes, polyps, cucumbers, urchins, and jelly for desert. By the time it was over, everyone sported various shades of green, including their host, who excused himself before the others had even risen from their chairs. The one good thing about it was that no one had spoken except to make positively fake noises in approval of the dishes served. But now, he was left alone with the two women.

  Luka saved the day by announcing they were to enjoy the evening air on the canipilad and opened the door, leading the way. The ladies demurred, expressing they would like to go the powder room, first, then they both looked at one another with scowls before heading off in opposite directions.

  “Oh good!” Luka said as he sidled close to Nels. “Now we can talk in private. Follow along with me,” he added, looking around furtively. “But if you have to talk try not to move your mouth. Like me, see?”

  “What? Why?”

  “Sssshh,” Luka hissed. “Oh, you’re terrible at this already. I told Vanin I wasn’t sure about you.”

  Nels had to admit the kid did a pretty good job of not moving his mouth as he spoke, but his larynx bobbed atrociously.

  “What are you talking about?” Nels asked in a whisper—the only concession he was prepared to make, Luka would have to be content with his mouth moving. “Terrible at what? And, Vanin? The tailor? What does he have to do with anything?”

  They stepped outside and after doing a thorough check behind every pillar and bush on the canipilad and giving it the all-clear, Luka drew himself up to his full height and stuck his finger under Nels’ nose. “You ask too many questions for your own good, sir.”

  Nels was about ready to ask another one, like--what in the blue-blazes was going on?!—when Luka interrupted.

  “No! Don’t you say another word, just you listen to me, sir, if you want to be part of this rebellion—“

  “Rebellion?!”

  Luka threw a hand over Nels’ mouth and pressed in close, looking around suspiciously again. “I told you to keep your mouth shut, sir. Now I’m forced to do it for you. We don’t have much time. Vanin and I are planning to overthrow the gods—temple by temple. They’re antiquated, outdated, and manipulated by those in power. We’re determined to see them fall down to the Lowers where they belong. Then the people will be free.

  “Vanin said he knew you were one of us because you looked like an idiot in your robes, so you must be on some kind of undercover operation. Is he right? Are you trying to infiltrate the temples? Javin Bone doesn’t go to temple himself so his estate makes the perfect hideout—that’s why I got the job here, along with my sister, Lera. She’s not sure she wants to join the rebellion, though, so it’s only Vanin and me, for now. And you—if you’re in?—which you better be, if you know what’s good for you. You’ve got too much dirt on us now, so you’re either one of us, or say goodbye to Nels Farmer.” Luka managed to make his larynx bob menacingly.

  “Shhh!” Luka cocked his head listening, still keeping his hand over Nels’ mouth. “Someone’s coming. The codeword is ‘sir,’ that’s how you’ll know you’re dealing with one of us. You never know when we could get some more members, so it might come in handy.

  “Now go! And breathe not a word of this to anyone, or remember—“ Luka drew his finger across his throat and made a noise that sounded like he was about to spit. Then he disappeared behind a pillar.

  Nels had never been so glad to see two angry ladies in his life.

  Javin returned and they all settled in on lounging chaises under the billowing canopies. The clear sky made for perfect viewing; the moon was almost full and the stars seemed more radiant here than they ever appeared in The Kingdom. The white marble took on luminous glow in the moonlight and the slight rustling of leaves and fabric in the breeze was soothing to the soul. Nels found himself starting to drift off to sleep to the sounds of pleasant chatter. Apparently Javin had made himself the center of attention by regaling the women with appropriate stories that had them both tittering in delight. Well, however Javin did it, didn’t matter to him now, so long as everyone was getting along and he had some time for peaceful reflection of his own.

  Nels found himself walking amongst the moon and stars. They weren’t as big as he imagined. He could place his face up to the moon and look at it square in the eye and the stars he could bounce in his hands. He could swim among them, diving down then gliding back up, his arms and legs moving the myriad stars out of his way. His body became sinuous, sliding in between and around each glowing orb so as not to disturb them. Trying then to shrink his body down so he could travel in and penetrate the light that hid the mysterious center of each star. That was when he saw her.

  A regal woman with long white hair, the ends tipped in the color of night itself, stepped out from the starry light and beckoned him forward. His body immediately obeyed and as he floated closer he could see the wisdom of the ages reflected in her green eyes, lined with kohl.

  She didn’t smile as he did. He couldn’t help himself; he felt the radiating waves of light, the deep pulse of pure energy that had to be the source of all joy in its fullness. She remained immune. Maybe that was because she was the source herself—of the stars, moon, and sun. All he could see was her face, enshrouded as she was in the light.

  She spoke. Her voice echoing through the night sky, yet penetrating right into Nels’ very being. It is time I spoke with you, Nels. You must attend me, very soon. Bring Casandra, but no one else. It is now your time. I will be expecting you.

  Nels heard his thoughts echo throughout the dark sky…who?...who?

  I am Grayson Scarlett, he heard as her light winked out, taking the moon and stars with her.

  “Nels…Nels…” He heard the voice as he slowly opened his eyes. It was full dark now, and the air had taken on a decided chill he could feel even under the blanket that had been placed over his prone body. Casandra, wrapped in a blanket herself, was bending over him, lightly shaking him on the shoulder. She smiled as his eyes opened, focusing.

  “I fell asleep,” he stated obviously.

  “Javin and Meiiralisai have gone inside. She’s probably gone home by now. I decided to wait out here with you until you woke up, but even with the blankets it’s too cold to be out. I had to wake you, even though I know you needed your rest.”

  “It’s okay.” He smiled, she must have forgiven him—for whatever he’d done. “Thank you for waiting up for me.”

  She gave a dismissive wave. “It was a beautiful night to be outside. It was nice to join the solitude. Even if you did snore half the time.”

  “Ha! I don’t snore.” He laughed, jumping up from the lounge. On impulse he grabbed Casandra in a hug as she squealed, but didn’t pull away from his embrace. Emboldened, he gave her a light kiss on her lips, barely a whisper of a touch, but enough.

  Her lips responded with a sweet smile in return, as she placed a finger on his lips. “Oh, but you do…you do…”

  The next morning Nels awoke clearly remembering his dream of Grayson Scarlet and his shared time with Casandra on the canipilad. He was hard pressed to determine which experience he had enjoyed more. Maybe they were one and the same. A wonderful expression of what could be…if he embraced and understood this mysterious power more fully. Maybe he and Casandra could both dance amongst the stars together.

  Nels found his old brown leathers, neatly arranged, in a bureau drawer. He would dress as Nels Hunter today, with his gloves on. Even though he still felt much the same determination as yesterday morning to delve into his gift, he had cooled on Sandrid. The two were not the same. He could learn more without having to become caught up in a world he wasn’t sure he even liked anymore. It was time to leave this place and visit Silver Persia; maybe it woul
d be more to his liking.

  After taking a quick bath and dressing, he opened the door—no breakfast in bed today, apparently—to find Casandra poised to knock on his door, dressed in her homespun brown dress. Both gaping at one another, they burst out laughing.

  “We both feel it’s time to leave, I take it?” Casandra asked.

  “Yes,” Nels agreed, “I had a dream last night—“

  “Oh?” Casandra arched an eyebrow with a smile.

  “Grayson Scarlet spoke to me…She said it was time you and I visited her. But, only you and I,” he quickly added.

  She nodded. “It is as I thought. I may have had a dream last night as well. I can’t remember exactly, but I did wake with the strongest impression it was time to leave Sandrid. We’ll have to tell Javin we’re leaving…Hopefully, he won’t want to come along. I don’t feel we should tell him Grayson told us to come alone, though. I’m not sure why…it’s just…”

  “I know,” Nels reassured her. “I feel the same way. Do we really even have to tell him? You could just take us there, couldn’t you?”

  “Yes, I could…but, it wouldn’t be polite. And we’re not running from him or anything. It would be rude to leave without expressing our gratitude for his hospitality.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” But, Nels had to admit he wasn’t feeling too gracious towards Javin or anyone in Sandrid right now, including Meiiralisai, now that he thought about it.

  “Good. We’ll go find him and tell him over breakfast.”

  Javin took one look at them when they found him in the entry hall and stated, “You’re leaving.”

  “How did you know?” Casandra asked carefully.

  Javin laughed, encompassing them with a gesture. “Just look at you two. Dressed like that, I’ve never seen anyone more ready to go on a journey. But, of course, you will at least stay and have breakfast with me before going to Silver Persia, yes?”